Dreamworks Animation
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SEC investigating movie studios' dealings with China
Reuters is reporting that regulators have begun a probe of American movie studios and their dealings with Chinese officials. The Security and Exchange Commission has sent letters to at least five companies, including 20th Century Fox, Disney and DreamWorks Animation requesting information about "potential[ly] inappropriate payments" made to members of the Chinese government. The market in the pseudo-Communist nation is seen as one with huge potential for US-made films, but the state-owned China Film Group has placed strict limits on foreign cinema. However, in February, the group agreed to loosen restrictions and exempt up to 14 IMAX or 3D films a year (along with their 2D counterparts) from the 20 movie cap on international media. Around the same time, DreamWorks announced it would be building a production studio in Shanghai with participation from several large Chinese media companies. Even Disney struck a deal that will see the next Iron Man title co-produced by China's DMG Entertainment. The sudden shift in tone must have raised some eyebrows with watchdogs, and the SEC has responded by hitting up the studios for info over the last few months. Obviously, we'll be keeping an eye on this to see how it develops.
Dreamworks Animation joins Walmart's disc to digital program
DreamWorks Animation has signed up with Walmart's VUDU-powered disc to digital service. From today, you can take any of the studio's movies (such as Shrek or Kung-Fu Panda) and have them converted to standard quality video for $2 or a HD version for $5. There's no word on if DreamWorks proper would sign up, but given the complex nature of its ownership, we won't hold our breath.
Puss In Boots: The Video Game is exactly what it sounds like
Somewhere, someone has tossed a coin into a fountain, quietly uttering "I wish I were an Antonio Banderas cat." Were we the universe, we would have fulfilled wishes about global hunger or world peace first, but whatever. Puss In Boots: The Video Game is a licensed multiplatform exercise from THQ, coming to 360, PS3, Wii and DS sometime around the movie's November 4 theatrical release. The 360 and PS3 versions both tout heavy Kinect and Move integration, respectively, claiming that Kinect owners can "actually become Puss," which sounds painful and terrifying. The PS3 version's Move support allows for a much more normal sounding "full-motion sword fighting experience," while the DS variant receives the standard mini-game collection treatment. Wii owners can expect a rather Zelda-esque sounding Wiimote + Nunchuk configuration, as well as a lower price-tag ($29.99), while PS3 and 360 owners will be charged slightly less discounty discounts ($39.99 and $49.99). Personally, we've all got our fingers crossed for a Nasonex Bee pre-order bonus.
NYT: Netflix strikes deal with Dreamworks, will begin streaming movies, TV specials in 2013
It looks like those rumors of a streaming deal between Netflix and Dreamworks Animation were as good as advertised. Details are still fuzzy at this point, but the New York Times is reporting that the two parties have reached an agreement to stream Dreamworks' movies and TV projects, as part of a deal worth an estimated $30 million. Under the contract, which replaces a similar pay TV pact between Dreamworks and HBO, Netflix will begin offering exclusive access to the studio's new films in 2013, with Antz, Kung Fu Panda and other titles from its library slated to become available for streaming sometime thereafter. The company won't be confined to selling digital copies of Dreamworks' movies within a specific period, either, drawing a major distinction between itself and HBO, which requires studio partners to halt digital sales outside of an exclusive window. HBO probably isn't too thrilled to see Netflix strike what Dreamworks chief exec Jeffrey Katzenberg called a "game-changing deal," but it also has a new partnership of its own with Summit Studios, which it brought on board after letting Dreamworks out of its contract a full two years early. We're still waiting for official confirmation of Netflix's latest deal, but we'll let you know as soon as we get it. Update: Now with the official press release, included after the break.
Dreamworks animated films now available on iTunes
After quite a wait, Dreamworks Animation has finally relented to allowing its movies on iTunes, which means the company's catalog is more or less up for grabs. Kung Fu Panda is one title customers have been waiting for, and Monsters vs. Aliens, Bee Movie, and Madagascar 2 are available as well. Shrek the Third is the only movie of that series available at the moment, unfortunately, and there's no sign of Megamind or How to Train Your Dragon, so the catalog isn't complete by any means. Still, progress is progress, and this deal means you and your kids have a few more options when you jump into iTunes to find a movie to watch. Whatever issues there were between Dreamworks and Apple have apparently been worked out, to some degree at least.
Netflix negotiating for Dreamworks Animation movies?
Netflix will reveal its financial results for the second quarter tomorrow (better known as the one before they raised prices) and already we've got a juicy rumor about the company signing up Dreamworks Animation flicks for streaming. Bloomberg reports that Netflix would replace HBO's agreement for these movies, while The Hollywood Reporter's sources indicate HBO actually offered to end its deal early after signing up movies from Summit Entertainment and because it anticipates more animated flicks from other studios. If the rumors are on target, with Dreamworks also reporting earnings this week we're likely to hear confirmation soon. Besides that, Hacking Netflix also has the low down on a couple of other Netflix tidbits, including that it's recently spun off DVD operations are moving to their own offices, and a rumor that Weeds creator Jenji Kohan is working on an original show for the service. The over/under on Engadget Netflix posts this week is set at 3.5.
Kung Fu Panda World starts sneak peek
What's more dangerous than a bear, tiger or monkey? A bear, tiger or monkey trained in deadly martial arts and given the slavish adoration of millions of small children everywhere, of course. So there's really no point in resisting Kung Fu Panda World, but we're sure that many kids won't want to anyway. This browser-based MMO moved into a "sneak peek" phase, enabling players everywhere to get a taste of the good life. Just plug into the website and start training up an animal in mystical Eastern fighting styles.
CE-Oh no he didn't!: Katzenberg says 'beautifully styled' 3D glasses won't make you look like a dweeb
Another day, another CEO with more lip gloss than brain matter. Jeffrey Katzenberg has been talking to USA Today on what seems to be his favorite topic these days, 3D, and telling us that the glasses ain't no big deal. After all, "many many many people" wear glasses -- that's three lots of many for those keeping count at home -- and the new and improved 3D appendages are so "beautifully styled" that he expects them to start popping up at your local optometrist right next to the sunglasses and designer eyewear isles. In fact, this dude's sipping the corporate firewater so hard, we half-expect him to tell us that 3D offers "very high value" for money or ... wait, he said that too? Alright, we give up.
Monsters vs. Aliens tops weekend box office, is this the big break for 3D?
After a massive promotional push, Monsters vs. Aliens early results are promising, with an estimated $58.2 million box office take over its opening weekend, 56% of that from people viewing the movie in 3D. Still, after dropping $175 million on worldwide promotions alone, you can bet Dreamworks Animation is expecting a bit more in the future to justify its investment, and carry over to its future films, which, if you haven't forgotten will all be in 3D. Early reviews gave the 3D effects a much better rating than the Super Bowl ad, so let us know, was it enough to get your family in the theater this weekend or anytime in the future?
Paramount & Dreamworks HD DVD support ends March 4
We don't know if Jeffrey Katzenberg got a text message, fax, e-mail or smoke signal indicating the format war was over, but Video Business has confirmed Paramount and Dreamworks Animation will (rather abruptly) to stop releasing HD DVDs after next week. If you were looking forward to Bee Movie on March 11, Sweeney Todd on April 1 or the just announced There Will Be Blood, those are cancelled. Into the Wild and the appropriately-named Things We Lost in the Fire will be Paramount's last reminders of its exclusive agreement. Not specifically mentioned was Star Trek: TOS Season 2, but don't hold your breath. Blu-ray release plans are still up in the air but we wouldn't be surprised to hear something soon. As far as HD DVD movies still scheduled, that leaves two from Universal (for now) and twelve from Warner Bros, who may have been the first to leave red, but will apparently be the last major studio out the door.Read - Video BusinessRead - High-Def Digest
Dreamworks Animation isn't ready to quit HD DVD yet
While even the most steadfast red fans have accepted things are over for HD DVD, it appears Dreamworks Animation isn't able to let the format war go. Even though Paramount seems to have found a way out from under its exclusivity deal, Dreamworks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg told Reuters he still needs to hear from Toshiba what to do with the truckloads of money HD DVD gave them about its agreement before making any Blu-ray release plans. He seems (to be the only one) worried about the upcoming DVD release of Bee Movie and what will happen there. An analyst quoted said they should certainly have this taken care of by the holiday season, which would only be six to eight months after HD DVD manufacturing has ceased to be. We have a feeling it won't take that long to turn Shrek Blu.
